Australia's worst flooding in 50 years

The Queensland government estimates the cost to the state could be as high as ASD 1 billion ($980 million). Although the Fitzroy river has not yet at its peak, large parts of Rockhampton were under water and mandatory evacuations were ordered.

Up to 40 per cent of the town could be flooded in next two days, local officials said.

Australia's worst flooding in 50 years

At the airport, flood barriers have been built around the terminal and control tower by emergency teams and cars have been removed from parking in case they float away and cause damage.

"We're looking at alternative means of bringing supplies: barges, heavy-lift helicopters," mayor Brad Carter said, adding, "We might get a bit lean but I can't see this community running out or putting anyone at risk."

Australia's worst flooding in 50 years

A top policeman described the emergency as "unique" because of its huge scale -- the floods cover an area bigger than New South Wales -- which means that as floodwaters recede in some stricken towns and recovery operations begin, others are still bracing for the worst.

Image: Cattle walks through flooded crops near the town of Theodore in Australia's state of QueenslandPhotographs: Daniel Munoz/Reuters

Australia's worst flooding in 50 years

Meanwhile, a prominent water scientist has forecast widespread damage to the Great Barrier Reef as murky floodwaters surge into the sea off Queensland.

Jon Brodie, a senior research officer with the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research at James Cook University in Townsville, told a local newspaper The Age that the floods were a "major event" for the reef.

Image: Owner Brett Jensen looks on as he stands next to his restaurant affected by floods in Bundaberg, QueenslandPhotographs: Jono Searle/Pool/Reuters